Tours to Mysore, Coorg, Chikmagalur and more –

^{Hello everyone!}

^{Hope all is well with you all. Today, let’s embark on an exciting journey through Karnataka, a state filled with cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical wonders. While many of us are familiar with the vibrant city life of Bangalore, I decided to skip the usual attractions like MG Road and shopping malls and explore the off-the-beaten-path gems of Karnataka instead. I will also share some of my favorite dining spots and cozy accommodations along the way. So, buckle up, we’re off to our first stop!}

^{1. Mysore: City of Palaces}

^{Our expedition takes us 150 km southwest from Bangalore to the royal city of Mysore. Famous for its grand palaces and rich history, Mysore is a place where tradition meets modernity. Driving is the best way to get here as it gives you the freedom to explore the stunning countryside at your own pace.}

• ^{Trip Overview: Depart from Bangalore early in the morning and drive to Mysore for 4-5 hours. The journey itself is very scenic with many opportunities to stop and enjoy the view.}
• ^{Best transportation: Self-driving or taxi is ideal for this trip, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Public transportation is available but less convenient.}
• ^{Must-see attractions:}
  • ^{Mysore Palace: A breathtaking masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture.}
  • ^{Chamundi Hills: It offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is home to the famous Chamundeshwari Temple.}
  • ^{Church of St. Philomena: A beautiful neo-Gothic building that bears witness to the multicultural history of Mysore.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Mysore:}
  • ^{Mylali Hotel: Famous for its extremely soft dosa that melts in your mouth.}
  • ^{RRR Restaurant: If you want to taste the authentic traditional Mysore cuisine, this is the place to go.}
• ^{stay: For budget-friendly accommodation, consider Hotel Roopa or Treebo Trend Akshaya Mahal Inn, both of which offer comfortable rooms for around Rs 2,000 per night.}
• ^{Note: Be sure to visit the local markets to find exquisite silk saris. Don’t leave Mysore without visiting a local sweet shop to try the famous Mysore Pak.}

2. ^{Kodagu: The Scotland of India}

^{Next, we head to Coorg, 120 km away, an area known for its coffee plantations, misty hills and cool climate. The drive along the winding roads is picturesque and the cold weather makes it a great place to escape the summer heat.}

• ^{Trip Overview: The 120 km journey to Coorg takes about 3 hours and you will see lush green landscapes along the way.}
• ^{Must-see attractions:}
  • ^{Abbey Falls: There is a beautiful waterfall hidden in the coffee plantation.}
  • ^{Dhubar Elephant Camp: Get up close and personal with elephants in their natural environment.}
  • ^{Seat of Rajah: Peaceful gardens with stunning sunset views.}
  • ^{Talakaveri: The source of the sacred Kaveri River.}
• ^{Where to Eat: You can try local Kodava cuisine at Coorg Cuisine or dine with a view at The Falls at Tamara.}
• ^{stay: For a comfortable stay, you can try budget homestays like Amanvana Coorg or Heritage Resort, which start at around Rs 3,000 per night.}
• ^{Note: Don’t miss a trip to the plantation, but remember to wear appropriate footwear when visiting the waterfalls – they can be slippery!}

3. ^{Chikmagalur: The Land of Coffee}

^{We then travel 120 km north to Chikmagalur, a town known for its coffee estates and serene landscapes. Chikmagalur is slightly more expensive than Coorg but offers a unique experience, especially for trekking enthusiasts.}

• ^{Trip Overview: The 150 km drive to Chikmagalur takes about 4 hours and will take you through scenic coffee plantations and misty hills along the way.}
• ^{Must-see attractions:}
  • ^{Mulayanagiri: The highest peak in Karnataka, it is perfect for trekking and stunning sunrise views.}
  • ^{My father is a farmer: Picturesque mountains with caves and revered shrines.}
  • ^{Coffee Museum: Step into this quaint museum and gain insight into the history and art of coffee making.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Chikmagalur:}
  • ^{Town Canteen: A local favourite, especially the delicious Masala Dosa.}
  • ^{Manor Cafe: Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and snacks while admiring views of the plantation.}
• ^{stay: For a comfortable stay, you can consider The Serai Chikmagalur or Trivik Hotels & Resorts, which cost around Rs 4,000 per night.}
• ^{Note: Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop at night. Whatever you do, don’t miss the sunrise at Mulayanagiri – it’s worth waking up early!}

4. ^{Hampi: A Journey Back in Time}

^{From Chikmagalur, we continue our journey for 330 km to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. If you are a history buff or architecture lover, the ancient ruins and temples of Hampi will surely fascinate you.}

• ^{Trip Overview: The 330 km drive takes about 6-7 hours and takes you to the historical town of Hampi.}
• ^{Must-see attractions:}
  • ^{Virupaksha Temple: A living temple that has stood since the 7th century AD.}
  • ^{1. Vijayavittala Temple: Famous for its musical pillars and magnificent architecture.}
  • ^{Hampi Market: Take a stroll through the old market streets and soak up the history.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Hampi:}
  • ^{1. Mango Tree: Not only does it offer delicious food, it also offers stunning views of the Tungabhadra River.}
  • ^{Laughing Buddha Cafe: It’s a casual spot with a diverse menu and a relaxed atmosphere.}
• ^{stay: KSTDC Mayura Bhuvaneshwari is an affordable option with room rates starting from Rs 2,500 per night.}
• ^{Note: Hire a local guide and learn all about Hampi’s rich history. Keep in mind that the weather can be very hot, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.}

^{5. Badami: The wonder of rock carvings}

^{Our final destination is Badami, 145 km from Hampi. Famous for its rock-cut temples and ancient history, Badami is a must-visit for those interested in architecture and archeology.}

• ^{Trip Overview: The drive to Badami is 145 km and takes about 3 hours.}
• ^{Must-see attractions:}
  • ^{Badami Cave Temples: Marvel at the intricate cave architecture dedicated to Hindu deities.}
  • ^{Butanasa Temple: Situated on the shores of a peaceful lake, this temple is a tranquil retreat.}
  • ^{Aijol and Pattadakal: Explore these UNESCO sites known for their ancient temples and intricate carvings.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Badami:}
  • ^{Badami Courtyard Hotel: Enjoy delicious North and South Indian cuisine.}
  • ^{Hotel Rajasangam: Famous for its traditional cuisine.}
• ^{stay: Hotel Mayura Chalukya offers an affordable option with room rates starting from Rs 2,000 per night.}
• ^{Note: Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cave temples. Don’t miss the amazing sunset view in the caves.}

^{Budget Budget:}

• ^{transportation: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (car rental/fuel)}
• ^{stay: Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 25,000}
• ^{food: 8,000 – 10,000 INR}
• ^{Various: INR 5,000}
• ^{Total budget: About ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 for two persons}

^{Best packages and references:}

• ^{Stimulant addiction: Customizable Karnataka road trip packages are available.}
• ^{Build My Trip: Look for special packages in Karnataka that include hotel stay.}
• ^{pilgrimage: Affordable Karnataka Road Trip Packages.}
• ^{Official Karnataka Tourism Website: Explore a variety of packages, including custom road trips.}

^Note:

• ^{Do: Bring a power bank and car charger as some areas have limited charging points.}
• ^{No: Rely entirely on Google Maps; locals usually know the best routes and road conditions.}
• ^{Do: Sample local cuisine in small restaurants for an authentic experience.}
• ^{No: Pack your bags well; travel light and stay comfortable on your journey.}

^{Unique tips:}

• ^{Tip 1: Start early each day to beat traffic and take advantage of the cooler morning weather.}
• ^{Tip 2: Keep some cash handy as digital payments may not be available in remote areas.}
• ^{Tip 3: Talk to locals – they can offer unique insights and suggest unusual places to visit.}

^{This road trip through Karnataka is more than just a journey, it is an experience filled with culture, history, nature, and adventure. Each stop has its own charm, making the journey as worthwhile as the destination. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring new places, Karnataka has something special waiting for you. Have a great trip!}

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^{with love,}

^Sarah